Research has uncovered a significant link between chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and dysfunctional breathing patterns, suggesting that addressing these issues may alleviate some patient symptoms. The study, led by scientists at the Icahn School of Medicine, found that a considerable portion of chronic fatigue patients experience abnormal breathing, which could be connected to underlying conditions such as dysautonomia.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by extreme exhaustion, mental cloudiness, and post-exertional malaise, where symptoms worsen after physical or mental exertion. In this recent investigation, scientists focused on the breathing difficulties reported by patients, aiming to identify potential treatments to improve their quality of life.
Study Overview and Findings
The research involved 57 patients diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome and 25 control participants matched for age and activity levels. Both groups underwent cardiopulmonary exercise tests over two days, measuring various parameters including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen intake, and breathing patterns.
The results revealed that approximately 71% of the chronic fatigue participants exhibited breathing abnormalities, including hyperventilation and dysfunctional breathing. In contrast, only a small number of control participants showed similar issues. Notably, nearly half of the chronic fatigue patients displayed erratic breathing patterns during testing, while only four control participants did.
Dr. Benjamin Natelson, the senior author of the study published in Frontiers in Medicine, emphasized the importance of recognizing these breathing disorders. He stated, “Nearly half of our chronic fatigue subjects had some disorder of breathing—a totally unappreciated issue, probably involved in making symptoms worse.”
Understanding Dysfunctional Breathing
Dysfunctional breathing encompasses a range of patterns, including deep sighing, rapid breathing, and a lack of coordination between the chest and abdomen during respiration. These issues can manifest even when a patient is at rest, making them particularly insidious. Dr. Donna Mancini, the study’s first author, noted, “While we know the symptoms generated by hyperventilation, we remain unsure what symptoms may be worse with dysfunctional breathing.”
Both hyperventilation and dysfunctional breathing can lead to symptoms resembling chronic fatigue, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, and mental fatigue. The combination of these breathing problems may exacerbate existing symptoms, potentially contributing to post-exertional malaise.
The researchers suggest that dysautonomia, a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system, may play a role in these breathing difficulties. As Dr. Mancini explained, “It is well known that chronic fatigue syndrome patients often have dysautonomia in the form of orthostatic intolerance, which means you feel worse when upright and not moving.”
Future Directions for Treatment
Given these findings, the team aims to explore treatment options targeting dysfunctional breathing. Potential therapies might include breathing exercises, yoga, and biofeedback techniques that encourage proper breathing patterns. Dr. Natelson remarked, “Breathing exercises via yoga could potentially help, or gentle physical conditioning where breath control is important, as with swimming.”
As research continues, the goal is to develop strategies that effectively address these breathing abnormalities, ultimately reducing the burden of symptoms for those affected by chronic fatigue syndrome.
Further studies will be necessary to deepen the understanding of the relationship between dysfunctional breathing and chronic fatigue, paving the way for more comprehensive treatment options in the future. The full findings are detailed in the article “Abnormal Breathing Patterns and Hyperventilation are Common in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome during Exercise,” set to be published in 2025 in Frontiers in Medicine.